What is Pop Rock Music?
Pop rock is a popular music genre that combines elements of pop music and rock music. It emerged in the late 1960s as pop artists began incorporating rock influences into their music, while rock artists embraced more pop sensibilities.
Some key characteristics of pop rock include:
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Catchy, melodic hooks and choruses designed for mainstream appeal
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Prominent lead vocals, often with vocal harmonies
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Use of guitars, both for riffs and solos, blended with keyboards and synthesizers
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Upbeat tempos and rhythms, with a focus on creating an energetic, fun sound
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Lyrics about universal topics like love, relationships, and having a good time
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Polished production and arrangements aimed at radio airplay
Pop rock differs from traditional pop music in its inclusion of rock instrumentation like electric guitars, bass, and live drumming. It also tends to have a looser, less dance-oriented rhythm than electronic pop.
It contrasts with mainstream rock music by having a more commercial, crowd-pleasing sensibility. Pop rock songs are structured for mass appeal, whereas rock can be more experimental.
Pop rock is sometimes confused with power pop, but power pop leans more heavily on catchy guitar hooks and riffs. Pop rock incorporates those elements but has a more expansive, radio-friendly sound.
Some quintessential pop rock hits include "Livin’ On A Prayer" by Bon Jovi, "Don’t Stop Believin’" by Journey, and "The Middle" by Jimmy Eat World. These songs exemplify the core features of pop rock as a genre.
Origins of Pop Rock in the 1960s
The origins of pop rock can be traced back to the 1960s, when rock and roll was evolving into new forms. Several key artists and bands emerged that began blurring the lines between pop and rock music.
One of the most significant early pop rock acts was The Beatles. While their early music was rooted in 1950s rock and roll, they quickly expanded their sound with pop melodies and studio experimentation. Songs like "She Loves You" and "I Want to Hold Your Hand" featured driving guitars paired with sugary pop hooks, establishing The Beatles as pioneers of the pop rock genre.
Other British Invasion bands also contributed to the rise of pop rock, including The Kinks, The Hollies, and Herman’s Hermits. Their music incorporated rock’s energy and edge with an accessibility inspired by pop. Many of their biggest hits, like The Kinks’ "You Really Got Me" and The Hollies’ "Bus Stop," perfectly blended pop and rock.
On the American side of the pop rock explosion were bands like The Monkees. Created for a TV show, The Monkees released a string of upbeat, catchy pop rock hits like "I’m a Believer" and "Daydream Believer." Their music captured the youthful spirit of the times with jangly guitars and pop melodies.
By taking the melodic sensibilities of pop and fusing them with the guitars and energy of rock music, these artists planted the seeds for pop rock in the 1960s. Their innovative sound would pave the way for the genre’s development and popularity over the following decades.
Pop Rock in the 1970s
The 1970s saw the rise of glam rock and its influence on pop rock music. Artists like David Bowie, T.Rex, Queen, and Elton John blended glam aesthetics with pop melodies and created a new crossover sound. Major pop rock hits of the decade included:
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"Crocodile Rock" by Elton John (1972) – This uptempo piano rocker exemplified the classic pop rock sound and was one of the biggest hits of the 70s.
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"Killer Queen" by Queen (1974) – With operatic vocals, intricate harmonies, and a driving beat, this single encapsulated Queen’s larger-than-life pop rock style.
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"Lola" by The Kinks (1970) – An eccentric song about an encounter with a transvestite, "Lola" showcased The Kinks’ knack for crafting clever pop rock story songs.
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"Benny and the Jets" by Elton John (1973) – The futuristic sci-fi themed lyrics and pounding piano riffs made this one of Elton John’s most iconic pop rock anthems.
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"Fox on the Run" by Sweet (1975) – British glam rockers Sweet scored an international smash with this catchy, harmony-laden nugget of pop perfection.
Other major pop rock artists who rose to prominence in the 70s included ELO, 10cc, Wings, Cheap Trick, Electric Light Orchestra, and Fleetwood Mac. By incorporating elements of glam, power pop, and arena rock, the pop rock sound grew bigger and more diverse throughout the decade.
Pop Rock Dominates the 1980s
The 1980s marked the peak of pop rock’s mainstream popularity and commercial success. This decade saw the rise of melodic "hair metal" bands, bombastic arena rock, and increased exposure through the growing popularity of MTV.
Hair Metal and Arena Rock
The early to mid 80s was the heyday of melodic hard rock and heavy metal bands that came to be known as "hair metal." Groups like Bon Jovi, Def Leppard, Poison, Motley Crue, and others sported big hair, makeup, and a radio-friendly pop rock sound. Signature power ballads and anthemic choruses made them staples of rock radio and MTV. Major labels signed countless hair metal acts, flooding the market. While musically limited, their energetic live shows in massive arenas earned them huge mainstream success.
MTV’s Impact on Pop Rock
The rise of MTV and music videos was a huge boost for pop rock in the 80s. Videos allowed bands to showcase their image and connect with fans on a visual level. Groups like Bon Jovi, Journey, REO Speedwagon and others benefited greatly from heavy video rotation on MTV. Their photogenic looks, catchy songs and melodramatic videos made them into global superstars. MTV provided exposure for major label pop rock acts while helping to launch the careers of new artists through heavy airplay.
Best-Selling Albums and Singles
Pop rock albums and singles dominated the charts in the 1980s. Bon Jovi’s Slippery When Wet was the top selling album of 1987 in the US, producing #1 hits like "You Give Love a Bad Name" and "Livin’ on a Prayer." Other major pop rock albums included Escape by Journey, REO Speedwagon’s Hi Infidelity, Def Leppard’s Pyromania and Hysteria, and Poison’s Look What the Cat Dragged In. Iconic power ballads like "Don’t Know What You Got (Till It’s Gone)" by Cinderella and "Every Rose Has Its Thorn" by Poison also topped the singles charts, making pop rock hugely profitable.
The 1990s Pop Rock Explosion
The 1990s marked a major resurgence and reinvention of pop rock music. Several new subgenres emerged that blended pop melodies and hooks with high-energy rock.
Pop Punk and Punk Pop Take Off
Pop punk bands like Green Day, The Offspring, and Blink-182 exploded in popularity by combining the fast tempos, distorted guitars, and attitude of punk rock with a radio-friendly pop sound. Major pop punk hits included "Basket Case" by Green Day, "Self Esteem" by The Offspring, and "What’s My Age Again" by Blink-182.
Punk pop followed a similar path but with more emphasis on vocal harmonies and melodies. Key punk pop acts were NOFX, Goldfinger, and Sum 41. Top songs included "Fat Lip" by Sum 41 and "Here In Your Bedroom" by Goldfinger.
Grunge Goes Pop Rock
The grunge movement, spearheaded by Nirvana and Pearl Jam, paved the way for a new breed of post-grunge bands in the late 90s. Acts like Matchbox Twenty, Third Eye Blind, Goo Goo Dolls, and Semisonic crafted radio-ready pop rock anthems while retaining grunge’s distorted guitars and introspective lyrics. Major hits included "Push" by Matchbox Twenty, "Semi-Charmed Life" by Third Eye Blind, and "Closing Time" by Semisonic.
Pop Rock Dominates the Charts
Thanks to these new movements, pop rock absolutely dominated the music charts in the 90s. Other major pop rock hits included "Wonderwall" by Oasis, "Fly" by Sugar Ray, "Good" by Better Than Ezra, and "Iris" by The Goo Goo Dolls. Pop rock had proven its ability to constantly evolve and adapt to new trends. The stage was set for pop rock mania to continue into the early 2000s.
Pop Rock in the 2000s
The 2000s saw pop rock continue to thrive and evolve, incorporating new sounds and influences. Pop punk remained a major force, with bands like Green Day, Blink-182, and Fall Out Boy achieving massive mainstream success. Their catchy, hook-laden songs brought pop sensibilities to punk attitude and aesthetics.
Emo and indie pop/rock also emerged as popular trends in the 2000s. Emo bands like My Chemical Romance, Panic! At The Disco, and Paramore blended emotional lyrics and vocals with pop rock instrumentation. Meanwhile, indie pop/rock acts like Death Cab for Cutie, Modest Mouse, and The Shins took influence from 80s college rock and alternative music. Their off-kilter melodies and thoughtful lyrics connected with fans looking for something outside the mainstream.
Some of the biggest pop rock hits of the 2000s included:
- "Boulevard of Broken Dreams" by Green Day
- "Sugar, We’re Goin Down" by Fall Out Boy
- "The Middle" by Jimmy Eat World
- "1985" by Bowling For Soup
- "Mr. Brightside" by The Killers
- "Makes Me Wonder" by Maroon 5
- "Umbrella" by Rihanna ft. Jay-Z
- "Apologize" by OneRepublic
The 2000s solidified pop rock as a genre that could continuously reinvent itself. By blending pop’s mainstream appeal with rock’s rebellious edge, pop rock acts resonated with listeners young and old. Even as tastes changed, pop rock remained at the forefront of popular music.
Pop Rock Today
Pop rock continues to thrive and evolve in the 2020s, incorporating modern influences while still retaining its classic sound. Some of today’s most popular pop rock acts include Maroon 5, Imagine Dragons, OneRepublic, and Panic! At The Disco. These bands blend pop hooks and rock energy with electronic, R&B, and hip-hop elements to appeal to contemporary audiences.
Newer pop rock bands are also gaining popularity, like 5 Seconds of Summer, Why Don’t We, and The Driver Era. These acts tend to lean into pop and draw influences from other genres like emo and indie pop. Pop punk has also made a comeback thanks to bands like Machine Gun Kelly, Willow, and KennyHoopla who put a modern spin on the classic pop punk sounds of the 90s and 2000s.
On the indie side of pop rock, bands like The 1975, COIN, and Hippo Campus fuse rock with synth pop, electronic, and bedroom pop elements. There’s also been a rise in female pop rock solo artists like Olivia Rodrigo, Gayle, and Gracie Abrams who embody a youthful, emotional sound.
As pop rock continues to evolve, artists are predicted to further expand on fusions with hip-hop, Latin music, country, and more. The genre’s emphasis on huge sing-along choruses and blending genres is helping it stay relevant in the streaming era. Pop rock is poised to keep thriving by welcoming new voices and styles while still delivering the big hooks, confessional lyrics, and high energy that define it.
Greatest Pop Rock Songs of All Time
Pop rock has produced some of the most iconic and influential songs in music history. Here’s a look at the greatest pop rock hits over the decades and why they’ve had such an enormous impact.
"Hey Jude" by The Beatles (1968)
"Hey Jude" is considered one of the first true pop rock songs. The Beatles blended their classic pop songwriting sensibilities with a more rock-oriented, anthemic arrangement. From the unforgettable piano intro to the epic singalong finale, "Hey Jude" set the template for the pop rock sound. It spent 9 weeks at #1 and was the band’s biggest hit.
"Don’t Stop Believin’" by Journey (1981)
The quintessential 80s pop rock anthem, "Don’t Stop Believin’" dominated radio and MTV throughout the decade. Its driving rhythm, uplifting lyrics, and massive hooks exemplify the pop rock sound. It enjoyed a resurgence in popularity after being featured in TV shows like Glee.
"Livin’ on a Prayer" by Bon Jovi (1986)
Bon Jovi took pop metal to new heights with "Livin’ On A Prayer," marrying hard rock guitars with a catchy pop chorus. Jon Bon Jovi’s soaring vocals and the talk box guitar solo helped make it one of the definitive songs of the 80s. It topped the charts in multiple countries and is Bon Jovi’s signature song.
"Smells Like Teen Spirit" by Nirvana (1991)
Nirvana’s grunge-rock classic helped usher in a new alternative era in the 90s. However, "Smells Like Teen Spirit" featured very pop-oriented songwriting, with a catchy melody and loud, anthemic choruses. As one of the most iconic songs of the 90s, it paved the way for alternative pop rock acts.
"Mr. Brightside" by The Killers (2004)
The Killers brought pop rock surging back with this instantly catchy hit in the 2000s. From the driving beat to the jealous lyrics, "Mr. Brightside" dominated radio and became the decade’s most streamed song. It popularized The Killers’ danceable indie pop rock sound.
"Shut Up and Dance" by Walk The Moon (2014)
This 2010s pop rock smash exemplifies the genre’s evolution into dancier, electronic-tinged territory. Centered on a funky synth riff and rhythmic groove, "Shut Up and Dance" became a huge hit and wedding dance favorite. Its mix of retro and modern pop rock helped revive the genre.
Legendary Pop Rock Artists
Pop rock has been defined by some of the most popular and influential artists and bands of all time. Here’s a look at some of the legends of pop rock:
The Beatles
No list of pop rock artists would be complete without The Beatles. The "Fab Four" pioneered the pop rock genre in the 1960s with unforgettable hits like "Hey Jude," "Let It Be," and "Here Comes the Sun." Their songwriting and innovative studio techniques paved the way for generations of pop rockers.
Michael Jackson
The "King of Pop" dominated the charts in the 1980s with pop rock smashes like "Billie Jean" and "Beat It." Jackson’s Thriller remains the best-selling album of all time. His dazzling dance moves and music videos made him one of pop rock’s first true superstars.
Madonna
The "Queen of Pop" has continually reinvented herself over decades of pop rock hits. Songs like "Like a Virgin," "Papa Don’t Preach," and "Vogue" cemented her status as a pop icon. Her blend of catchy pop and rock attitude inspired female pop rockers for years to come.
Bon Jovi
Frontman Jon Bon Jovi and his glam metal band epitomized pop rock in the 1980s. With fist-pumping anthems like "Livin’ on a Prayer," "You Give Love a Bad Name," and "Wanted Dead or Alive," Bon Jovi became icons of pop metal and stadium rock.
Mariah Carey
Her stunning 5-octave vocal range has powered Mariah Carey’s record-breaking career. Pop rock ballads like "Hero" and "One Sweet Day" showcased her powerhouse voice. She set the standard for modern divas with her vocal agility and crossover pop rock appeal.
Green Day
Green Day led the pop punk explosion of the 1990s. Smash hits like "When I Come Around," "Basket Case," and "Good Riddance (Time of Your Life)" combined the raw energy of punk with melodic pop rock. Their Dookie album brought punk rock into the mainstream.
Pop Rock Playlists and Where to Listen
With decades of pop rock hits to explore, creating playlists is one of the best ways to dive into the genre. Major music streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music offer pre-made pop rock playlists covering different eras and styles. Some playlists focus on the biggest pop rock anthems, while others highlight underrated deep cuts.
On Spotify, popular playlists include "All Out 80s," "Pop Anthems," and "00s Pop Punk Anthems." Apple Music has "Pure Pop Rocks!" and "Pop Rock Legacy" among its top playlists. Discover Weekly and Release Radar on Spotify are also great for finding new pop rock artists to add to your library.
Beyond playlists, YouTube is home to pop rock channels like Absolute Retro and Melodic Rock Hits with curated music videos. SiriusXM satellite radio has stations dedicated to pop rock from different decades like 80s on 8, 90s on 9 and PopRocks.
For tips on discovering new pop rock music, follow pop rock blogs and review sites like PopMatters and Rock Forward. Check out pop rock subreddits like r/PopPunkers and r/poprock. Follow pop rock artists, record labels and influencers on social media. Go down YouTube recommendation rabbit holes. Attend pop rock concerts and festivals. Sign up for artist newsletters and check tour dates. Pop rock may evolve with the times but its spirit stays forever young.